Thought to have been the son of King Edgar and Æthelflæd. His succession to the throne was contested by supporters of his half-brother Æthelred, but with Dunstan's support, Edward was acknowledged by the Witan and crowned king by Dunstan and Oswald of Worcester.

Edward's reign was short and disturbed by factional strife. He was killed at Corfe Castle by servants of his stepmother the Queen Dowager Ælfthryth (Elfrida)

Edward 'the Martyr'Silver penny of Edward 'the Martyr', from the Lincoln mint. Murdered while still a young man, the king wears a diadem. The legend reads Eadward rex Anglorum (Edward, King of the English)